Rick Mayer
Digital ProducerI’m the online producer for Health News Florida, a collaboration of public radio stations and NPR that delivers news about health care issues.
This is an important position at WUSF. In 2019, the typical U.S. family spent about 11 percent of its annual income on health care, so it stands to reason issues of cost, quality, access and innovation are consequential to all Floridians. Then COVID-19 came along, and the weight of these matters gained exponentially. I take our reporting on these topics quite seriously, as I’m sure you do, too.
Literally growing up in newsrooms and a little serendipity along the way prepared me well for the post. Here’s the abridged version: I’m a Tampa guy, graduating from H.B. Plant High and thrust into the world with my USF degree rolled tightly in hand. From there, it was three mostly sleepless decades as an editor at The Tampa Tribune, then developing and managing an online journal serving physician executives. There’s also my side job editing a statewide health magazine.
And being married to a longtime hospital nurse/case manager helps; dinner conversation often gives me a feel of what’s happening on the front lines. The good and not-so-good.
Of course, my time isn’t always spent flailing in the health news vortex. You’re actually more likely to find me breaking down the Bucs, Bulls or Bolts after a game, taking Oodle the poodle to the dog park or tinkering the backroom piano while vicariously reliving my former life as a musician. (Remember, kids: Parents of percussionists have plenty of patience. Plenty!)
Contact Rick on X @rmayer2361 or by email at Mayer1@wusf.org.
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While the Rays unwind their stadium conundrum, Mayor Jerry Demings says he’s been approached by more than one group, but more details are needed as well as talks on how his county would benefit. -
BayCare says its collaboration with the Chicago-based health system and medical school is central to its plans for three buildings purchased in February next to its St. Joseph’s Hospital campus in Tampa. -
Kelly stabilized and strengthened USF’s athletic department, exponentially growing fundraising while leading the push to finally get shovels in the ground for a long-sought on-campus stadium. -
The health care measure also covers rules related to medical marijuana treatment centers and labs, as well as licensing of out-of-state physicians, nurses and PAs. -
The two head coaches left different but enduring legacies at the school. The hall’s 11th class also includes football’s Kawika Mitchell, baseball’s Scott Hemond and basketball’s Kitija Laksa. -
The league's men and women postseason championships will come to Tampa for the first time. USF athletic director Michael Kelly called it a “tremendous win” for the region. -
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo praised the federal move as vindication of the state’s early and controversial decisions to push back against mRNA vaccine use. -
The measure, a priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, is intended to improve early intervention, school readiness, educational opportunities and workforce training. -
Bobbleheads, hats, shirts and drinkware will be among “thousands of items” available on Saturday. For $20, shoppers can fill a bag and get vouchers for two tickets to a Rays game at Steinbrenner Field. -
Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state would only help with infrastructure. He also wouldn't back the Rays playing in Tampa Bay or Orlando, but suggested different ownership could help the team succeed.
